Self-Control: A Virtue in Decline
For over eighty years of daily Bible reading, I still find it remarkable when a well-known verse suddenly leaps off the page and demands my attention. Recently, my devotional brought me to a passage that clearly outlines essential traits we should all work on cultivating as followers of Christ. Unlike many biblical passages that vary across translations, this particular list remains nearly identical in nearly every version.
The passage urges us to supplement our faith with qualities such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. On that day, it was the concept of “self-control” that resonated most deeply with me—a quality that seems to be increasingly scarce in today’s society.
Consider the number of stories about road rage reported each month. Or reflect on instances where professional athletes have lost their composure on the field, leading to incidents of aggression, or even cases where overwhelmed individuals harm their own children in moments of uncontrolled anger.
Moreover, a deficit in self-control can steer lives into destructive paths marked by substance abuse, excessive indulgence, or other harmful behaviors.
I recall a personal incident from my childhood: an episode of uncontrollable anger that led me to forcibly remove my older brother from the driver’s seat of his car. Before I could cause any real harm, our mother intervened. With tears in her eyes, she warned me, “You must learn to control your temper, or someday you’ll end up in prison.” Her heartfelt words changed my life and marked the last time I ever acted out in anger.
Imagine the transformative impact if more parents instilled the importance of self-control in their children during these turbulent times. Just think how much more fulfilling our lives would be if more individuals embraced the teachings of Christ and pursued the full fruit of the Holy Spirit, including love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Rockin’ the faith, one verse at a time!
Growing up, the Bible’s stories deeply impacted me. Now, with over 15 years of preaching experience, I blend timeless teachings with modern technology, making them relevant for today’s world.
Bible Hub Verse is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both familiar and uncommon Christian topics. My passion is building a welcoming online space for everyone to learn, grow in their faith, and discover the Bible’s enduring message.
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